PBA community mourns passing of Alaska’s ‘Mang Tom’ Urbano

Alaska’s long-time staff member Tom Urbano has passed away. –ALASKA ACES

MANILA, Philippines—Tom Urbano, a former PBA referee and staff member of Alaska, has passed away. He was 80.

“We pray today for the repose of Mang Tom’s Soul. May the Lord grant comfort to those who grieve him,” the Alaska Aces posted on their social media accounts on Monday.

The PBA community mourned the passing of Urbano, who was a well-beloved figure in the league.

“I wish I was home so I could pay my respects to my friend, Tom Urbano. He was such a big part of my early career at Alaska. I was so sorry to hear of his passing. I will miss you, Tom. RIP,” said Barangay Ginebra head coach Tim Cone.

I wish I was home so I could pay my respects to my friend, Tom Urbano. He was such a big part of my early career at Alaska. I was so sorry to hear of his passing. I will miss you, Tom. RIP.

— Tim Cone (@manilacone) July 12, 2022

Cone called the shots for Alaska from 1989 to 2011. He won 13 championships with Alaska including a Grand Slam in 1996.

“This is a true man of honor. I was blessed to have been a part of his life. He was and is a special person. May he rest well. RIP MANG TOM,” said former PBA star Joe Devance, who won a title with the Aces in 2010.

This is a true man of honor. I was blessed to have been a part of his life. He was and is a special person. May he rest well. RIP MANG TOM https://t.co/1a4p99z1R9

— Joe Devance (@jdv_38) July 11, 2022

Former Alaska import Diamon Simpson, an integral part of the Aces’ title run in 2010, also paid a tribute to Urbano, whom he described as “a true legend.”